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Changing Tides

3.84 of 5 stars 3.84 · rating details · 308 ratings · 30 reviews

Few authors write about the full spectrum of gay men's lives with as much warmth, honesty, humor, and compassion as Michael Thomas Ford. Now the bestselling author of Last Summer, Looking For It, and Full Circle, delivers a shimmering, heartwarming story of one summer in the lives of three people, of the elusive search for human connection—and the necessity of love.

Marine

...more Few authors write about the full spectrum of gay men's lives with as much warmth, honesty, humor, and compassion as Michael Thomas Ford. Now the bestselling author of Last Summer, Looking For It, and Full Circle, delivers a shimmering, heartwarming story of one summer in the lives of three people, of the elusive search for human connection—and the necessity of love.

Marine biologist Ben Ransome understands the sea, especially the tiny, beautiful sea slugs he has studied and admired for most of his life. What Ben doesn't understand are people, and now, one of the most important people in his life—his sixteen-year-old daughter, Caddie—is coming to live with him for the summer. But the sweet, happy child he remembers has been replaced by a wounded, angry stranger who resents everything about her father. Caddie is determined to act out in every way, leaving Ben feeling more alone than ever.

Hudson Jones has come to Monterey, California, to find the answers to all his questions. The young, ambitious graduate student believes he's found a lost John Steinbeck novel called Changing Tides that seems to hint at the author's love for his best friend, Ed "Doc" Ricketts. If he can prove it, his career will be made. And then, perhaps he can quiet the personal demons that haunt him. But first, he'll need some local help in his research, and Ben just may be able to supply him with access to the information he needs. It's clear to Hudson that the handsome, quietly passionate Ben needs some help, too—with Caddie and his life.

Sharing dinners and walks on the beach, intellectual discussions and heart-to-heart conversations, Ben and Hudson move from tentative friendship to a surprising, revelatory relationship, one with the power to point them toward the most important discoveries of their lives. For Ben, it's a summer of new beginnings, even as his daughter embarks on a dangerous course that will test the new happiness he's found

Changing Tides is an extraordinary novel that explores the glorious flaws and frailties of human beings in the never-ending struggle to connect, to be open to love, and to embrace the unknown in order to live fully.

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Hardcover, 352 pages

Published September 1st 2007 by Kensington

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Oct 29, 2008 Jeremy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-of-2008

I read this during an 18 hour train trip and despite all the other entertainment at my fingertips in my iPod, I could not put this book down. I really like Michael Thomas Ford's essays, and I had a feeling I'd like his novel work as well, but this one, which was said to be his best, was incredibly difficult to find in Utah. However, during my visit to The Castro in San Francisco I found that famous bookstore A Different Light, and knew I'd find this book there with no trouble. I did (fancy that)...more

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Feb 06, 2008 Grey853 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay

This review contains spoilers for the book. Don't read if you don't want to know.

This books is told from three points of view, Ben, a marine biolgist, a visitor named Hudson, and Ben's 16-year-old daughter Caddie. I'm not a big fan of shifting points of view, but at least Ford gives each character full chapters, which makes it less jarring for the reader.

Personally, I tend to get more attached to one character's view and would rather stick with that. However, in this book that would definitely l...more This review contains spoilers for the book. Don't read if you don't want to know.

This books is told from three points of view, Ben, a marine biolgist, a visitor named Hudson, and Ben's 16-year-old daughter Caddie. I'm not a big fan of shifting points of view, but at least Ford gives each character full chapters, which makes it less jarring for the reader.

Personally, I tend to get more attached to one character's view and would rather stick with that. However, in this book that would definitely limit the reader's ability to know what was going on with the other two main characters.

Ben is a very closed off man, much more focused on his science and research than people. He's probably the one character I most relate to. He divorced and left his daughter and exwife nine years before and now Caddie, who's going through a difficult time, comes to stay with him in Monterey for the summer. He has good intentions, but he's got no idea how to deal with a bitchy teenaged girl, one who apparently is rather promiscuous as well.

We learn a lot about Caddie in her chapters, why she does some of the things she does. She's angry with her father and she goes out of her way to make him notice her. She's frustrated by his very laid back attitude, his inability to give her the confrontation she pushes him for. So, she tries harder, which leads to a nearly tragic end.

During this father-daughter reunion, Ben runs into a man named Hudson. Hudson is reseaching Steinbeck's life. He's trying to finish the work of a deceased lover.

Ben and Hudson become friends. It's Caddie who clues in on the attraction and she's jealous. She wants to drive Hudson away from her father.

This is where I was shaking my head. I found it hard to believe that Ben would be so completely oblivious to being gay until his 40s. I know there are people who don't come out until later years, but we're inside Ben's head and he's confused and not really sure if he's gay or just attracted to Hudson, that whole, "I'm not really gay, but just gay for you" thing. I'm not sure I buy that.

Still, it was rather romantic that they got together in the end. Plus, Ben and Caddie do manage to come to terms with their relationship after a few tense chapters at the end.

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Dec 01, 2008 Lori Ehrman rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone liking thoughful romance

Shelves: g-alternative-fiction, 2-borrowed-it

This was a great book. Although it's classified as Gay Fiction, the sexuality of the characters was somewhat minor to the story. It was much more about who they where as people and how they arrived at that place in their life. While there was MM sex, it was tame and intrinsic to the story line.

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Feb 03, 2012 Mark rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is essentially a romance and it's a delivered believably with a minumum of sentiementality. The characters are all realistically drawn, likeable and refreshingly different. Their inner musings never get overwrought (except for the teenager's and hers need to be). The backrop the author has set up -- Monterey, Steinbeck, scuba society and marine biology--is richly detailedand appealing. I appreciated how the literary mystery in the book's center mirrors what's happening in the main char...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Don Bradshaw rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-romance, family-drama

Michael Thomas Ford has evolved into an excellent writer of human nature. Marine biologist,Ben Ransome, has forgotten how to live by totally imersing himself in his work. His world is turned upside down by the arrival of his sixteen year old rebellious daughter, Caddie,who he hasn't seen in 7 years. Ben is in the dark when it comes to even talking to Caddie. To further complicate matters,Hudson Jones, a young, gay man on an academic research to find the truth behing the relationship between Joh...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Joan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

The characters and the story werw compelling, though the resolution seemed to come too easily. However. the background of Monterey and the marine biology backgroun set it apart from the average m/m romance. It was actually less of a romance than a story of coming out and acceptance of who you are, no matter if told from the point of view of a 16 year-old girl trying to fit in, or a man admitting that what he believed he was his whole life, might not be who he is now. Ford has an easy style to re...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Jules rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not a bad read. A bit more substance than the typical M/M romance, with some believable characters and inter-family conflicts as well as the themes of growing up and moving on from experiences that keep you from being able to. Surprisingly I ended up liking a character that was just completely insufferable for about half of the book. Unfortunately suffers from an author attempting to write as Steinbeck himself in the form of an undiscovered manuscript; I feel that it would be more effective to j...more

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Feb 01, 2009 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, glbtq

Wow. I was hooked from the first page, as Ben is diving. I know nothing at all about the subject or sea life, but I could see and understand everything that the author was describing. Makes me want to learn how to dive, myself!

I was a little annoyed when we left Ben's POV for Hudson, but I gradually came to love him as well.

Don't get this book if all you are interested in is the gay storyline. It took about half of the book before they even meet.

I loved this book and plan to hunt down the author...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: queer, library, romance

Overall
While this book started off slow (perhaps even extremely slow), I felt it was worth holding out for the ending. The style of writing was enjoyable and with the constant references to Steinbeck, I feel like something of the story (whether it was writing style or plot progression) harkened back to it, although I haven't read much/any Steinbeck, so I can't say for certain.

The development of characters is the main focus of the story, with the romantic relationship taking the back seat of the...more Overall
While this book started off slow (perhaps even extremely slow), I felt it was worth holding out for the ending. The style of writing was enjoyable and with the constant references to Steinbeck, I feel like something of the story (whether it was writing style or plot progression) harkened back to it, although I haven't read much/any Steinbeck, so I can't say for certain.

The development of characters is the main focus of the story, with the romantic relationship taking the back seat of the bus although it does play a critical role in plot creation. While this was a long and at times slow book, I felt it was worth the time it took. As long as you're not looking for a quickie, this is a good place to go, especially if you can find it in your library, like I did.

Strengths
Character development. Perhaps the most important part of this novel is the development of the characters as they progress from their individual roles to the braid they form with each other. Ben, who verges on socially inept, would rather spend time with sea slugs than people, especially his daughter. At least until he meets Hudson, a graduate student studying literature and doing his dissertation on Steinbeck. Hudson makes Ben more human, and Ben incidentally makes Hudson realize he's chasing ghosts, while both of them are needed to help Ben's daughter. The tiny advancements each person makes through the story is interesting to watch as each small victory often doesn't seem like a victory at all.

Final plot. While the build up is important, the end plot is well executed, both in the climactic scenes, but also in how the story is tied up. While I don't think the final sex scene was necessary (and was a little heavy handed), it was important to the characters. It was the climactic scene that did the most for me in how it forced all the characters to act and moved along their relationships at a quicker pace.

Writing. There were many detailed descriptions, specifically of the scuba diving, that were very nice, and overall the writing was good, although these same strengths made the story drag out a little, especially in the beginning when the reader wants to get into the meat of the story. In some ways the writing is just like other Ford novels, in some ways it's different in that it seemed slightly longer winded than the other books I've read by him.

Weaknesses
Speed. If I were a quitter, I may have stopped reading half-way through the book. It took me to nearly three-quarters to really start getting into the book, although I enjoyed it, it never felt like anything was happening. However, once the conflict was presented, the pace picked up and the end really came together nicely.

Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.(less)

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Apr 11, 2009 Writerlibrarian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: atozchallenge2009, gay_fiction, april-pile, read2009

it's a summer in Monterey, on Cannery Row (yes, Steinbeck's Cannery row, makes you want to go and read or reread it), you have Ben, a marine biologist, diver who is waiting for his daughter whom he sees very little of to move in for the summer. Caddie (named after a creature of the sea, won't spoil it for you) 16, is angry and not so happy to be dumped on her father's doorstep. Hudson, is on a quest to authenticate a manuscript maybe written by Steinbeck. It's a coming of age summer for all thre...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Gerry Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-own, gay-fiction

Good Book....with lots of facts on author,John Steinbeck, although the book is a work of fiction. The setting is Monterrey California, the same setting as Steinbeck's "CANNERY ROW." We can all suppose what could have been and that makes life interesting.

Ford write about the life of a Marine Biologist, Ben Ransome, who is living and working in Monterrey, California. He explores Ben's life, his relationship to his daughter and the to young man who is doing research in Monterrey for his PhD Dissert...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Daniel Bayes rated it 2 of 5 stars

Real slow getting out. Felt like I was being tortured by useless info about marine biology, Steinbeck, and this dissertation. It just came across like the author either wanted to show off his researching ability or force the reader to read about things he loves under the false pretense of a gay romance. It improved, but ultimately the tactics of switching from pivotal plot to boring extra crap on sea slugs and this heinous manuscript within was enough to keep me from giving it 3 stars. Last Summ...more

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Nov 05, 2010 Katie M. rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, books-that-fail, queer

Okay, so this book was so bad (not that you can't tell from the very. bad. cover... but I was hoping for something light, easy and entertaining... and I'm a sucker for stories about people who think they're straight but actually aren't...) that I briefly considered not actually listing it up here in a feeble effort to preserve my dignity. But I decided it was worth the shame in order to have an excuse to post the following three rules. Just as a public service:

1. If you are a writer who can only...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Paul Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow...what a pleasant surprise! I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it is to read a book about gay men who come together, and there remains a solid story even though someone ISN'T dying from AIDS. I know it's a reality, but I'm burnt out on realities. Life is hard enough, and I want a happy escape every now and then.

Usually in fiction we can't even seem to catch a break. Hooray for homo happy endings!

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Nov 13, 2011 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011challenge, borrowed, gbltq, generalfic

4 1/2 stars
Excellent, solid read. The three main characters, Ben, Hudson and Ben's daughter, Caddie, are all interesting people who are searching for that most elusive thing for anyone - connections within themselves and with each other.

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Dec 27, 2007 Rob rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-fiction

Slow beginning but a great ending awaits those who can hang on and not be swept away. The relationship between a divorced dad and his teenage daughter takes center stage. Ford does a great job with character development and helping the reader relate to the people involved. I love the ocean but found the underwater diving episodes did not hold my interest. In the final chapters the dad (Ben) realizes he's gay which hasn't been an issue during most of the book. Hudson comes to terms with his past...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Keita Ito rated it 5 of 5 stars

My third favorite book of all time. Follows the story of a man learning to reconnect with his daughter who happens to be gay. This story is good for anyone to read.

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Oct 18, 2010 Vivencio rated it 4 of 5 stars

by far and away, his best i've read to date. the characters are more fully drawn and the plot line involving john steinbeck makes up for a layered read.

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Oct 18, 2010 Rob rated it 3 of 5 stars

The beginning is a bit draggy, and it tries to be realistic by naming specific marine life, but unless you're a marine biologist, it's just mumbo-jumbo...

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May 02, 2008 Jim Crump rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the story of a marine biologist living in Monterey, California and of a young writer searching for long lost papers of Steinbeck. The margine biologist, divorced from his glamorous Southern California wife, is given an unwelcome surprise visit by his daughter. Over the course of the novel, the writer and the biologist get together, and the daughter grows up. The story seems a bit too contrived, however. Ben, the marine biologist, is so self unaware that he seemingly doesn't realize he's...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Adam rated it 5 of 5 stars

M.T.F. is one of my favorite authors, and he didn't dissapoint in this novel.

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Feb 21, 2008 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: february-2008-reads, lgbt-books

Marine biologist Ben Ransome has a life-changing summer when his ex-wife delivers his sixteen year old daughter for a three month visit, and he meets a young graduate student who has come to Monterey to do some research on John Steinbeck. Ford's descriptions of scuba diving off the Monterey coast are compelling. Character development could be better. The daughter comes off as a stereotypically angry teen, and her problems with her mother, and thus the reason for her imposed visit to her father a...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Angela added it

Shelves: dnf

I skimmed this because my Dad asked me to and I love Monterrey. However, the first kiss isn't until 75% and I dislike stories about teenagers. My Dad seems to like them because I was one so he was in this position. He loved the last (first?) sex scene so I read that to see what he was talking about.

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May 10, 2008 Dolphe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: michael-thomas-ford

Another fine effort by Mr. Ford. For me, it did not have the emotional impact of the previous novel, but it is still an exceptional read. It's true that some characters were a bit over the top, but that did little to detract from the story. Overall, it comes across like a dish that is a bit undercooked. It may not have reached its full flavor, but can be quite enjoyable nonetheless.

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Aug 02, 2009 Richard rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book a lot but I don't think there is anything outstanding about it and characters always change almost overnight. Also somewhat predictable.

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Mar 22, 2011 Deidre rated it 2 of 5 stars

Slow moving for a MT Ford book. Too much marine detail for me. Just not my thing.

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Dec 16, 2008 Tattered Cover Book Store added it

Shelves: indie-next-noteables, joe-recommends, staff-recommends

A very enjoyable and well crafted novel about relationships--gay, straight and familial.

Joe

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May 19, 2013 Cecil James rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. The foreshadowing was good without divulging the entire plot.

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Aug 16, 2008 Frynsg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, gay

I liked this book because it was situated in Monterrey. One of my favorite places.

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Sep 11, 2008 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

Quiet & thoughtfully paced. Quite moving.

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About Michael Thomas Ford

Michael Thomas Ford is the author of more than fifty books, for both young readers and adults, in genres ranging from humor to horror, literary fiction to nonfiction. As a writer for young adults he is the author of the popular "Circle of Three" series (writing as Isobel Bird); nonfiction books about spirituality (Paths of Faith), the AIDS crisis (Voices of AIDS), and the gay community (The World...more

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